The opening Group feature at Randwick on Saturday is the Surround Stakes (1400m), with the market firmly centred around the highly regarded filly Tempted.
Since betting opened, Tempted has clearly headed wagering for the prestigious 1400m contest, dominating early markets as punters rally behind her chances.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2026 Surround Stakes.
2026 Surround Stakes Runner Preview:
1. Tempted: It’s hard to be against Tempted, though I will say, I don’t think she is the moral that most think she is. Yes, she was arrogant in the Eskimo Prince, but that form didn’t exactly stand up in the Hobartville last Saturday and I do have a slight query on this girl running 1400m. But, she looks lengths better than the rest of the fillies and barring bad luck, she should be too good.
2. Apocalyptic: She was beaten under a length in the Light Fingers, but I thought she was very plain, albeit the winner had complete front end control. But, for me, I think the jury is out and I can’t entertain her.
3. Ole Dancer: Giving respect to Ole Dancer. Total forgive/forget first up in the Desirable…less said the better re the ride, but she was very good late behind Sass Appeal given the race shape. More genuinely run 1400m this time around, she’ll be strong late and hopefully for her supporters, she gets ridden with more intent.
4. Savvy Hallie: 1400m is the slight query but she should get the front quite comfortably, like she did in the Light Fingers and was far too good. Should lead for fun, will give a sight…but 1400m is the query.
5. Karinska: I think the Light Fingers was a crap race, but the filly to take from it into this IMO is Karinska. She didn’t look ready at all re the mounting yard, but loved the way she closed off late against the race shape when fourth to Savvy Hallie. Fitter and up in trip, she’ll be strong late and is a knockout hope.
6. Sunrays: Pretty good late in the Light Fingers and is a filly with talent, but don’t think she is up to these.
7. Panova: This looks the Waller filly that will head to the Coolmore/Phar Lap, depending on how she goes here. J Mac jumps off Karinska to ride this girl, which looks the lead. She’ll get back and be good late. One for exotics.
8. Queen Of Clubs: Wasn’t ready for the Light Fingers and ran accordingly. Better set up here but think she’ll be better over further.
2026 Surround Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
$100 Place Ole Dancer at $2.10.
Group l Strategy Outlay: $3700
Group l Strategy Return: $2893
Surround Stakes Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TEMPTED | Ciaron Maher | Chad Schofield | 2 | 56kg |
| 2 | APOCALYPTIC | Michael Freedman | Tommy Berry | 4 | 56kg |
| 3 | OLE DANCER | Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | Zac Lloyd | 5 | 56kg |
| 4 | SAVVY HALLIE | Brad Widdup | Nash Rawiller | 6 | 56kg |
| 5 | KARINSKA | Chris Waller | Sam Clipperton | 1 | 56kg |
| 6 | SUNRAYS | Kelly Schweida | Jason Collett | 3 | 56kg |
| 7 | PANOVA | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 8 | 56kg |
| 8 | QUEEN OF CLUBS | Gary Portelli | Craig Williams | 7 | 56kg |
Surround Stakes Odds
2026 Surround Stakes Speed Map
Savvy Hallie should get front end control. The question will be what do they do with Ole Dancer? Drag back for cover like first up or ride with far more intent. Apocalyptic and Tempted should settle handy.
